Preparations helped with snow storm clean up Published Jan. 15, 2014 By Senior Airman Divine Cox 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Thanks to the consistent preparation of the 375th Civil Engineer Squadron, Scott Air Force Base was well prepared for the winter storm that hit the base. Members of the snow patrol team stay ready year round for any snowfall that occurs. "We start in May working with the 375th Logistic Readiness Squadron and their vehicle maintenance team for the summer rebuild program," said Maj. Michelle Sterling, 375th CES operation flight commander. "This is the time where all of our large vehicles are extensively inspected and all necessary repairs are made in preparation for the snow season." The snow patrol team ensures the mission at Scott is kept running by supporting approximately 57 road miles and about 2 million square feet of airfield pavement. The 375th CES follows a facility priority list found in their contingency response plan. "Inside that plan it has our priority listing that we go off of," said Sterling. "Our focus is always maintaining an operational airfield and safe travel to, from, and around 24 hour work centers and high priority and mission essential administrative areas." Scott received more than 10 inches of snow, said Brandon Moore, 15th Operational Weather Squadron forecaster. Sterling said, "The 375th CES prepares to respond and remove all snow and ice from Scott's airfield pavement and base roads. Sidewalk clearing operations do not normally begin until there is at least one inch of accumulation." The snow patrol team is approximately 115 personnel, with usually 105 available at any one time due to temporary duties, leave, and training. "When there's no snow on the ground, personnel work a typical duty day," said Sterling. During snow removal operations, squadron military personnel, not including the fire department, transition to a 24 hour work schedule with 12 hour shifts. Personnel are either day or night shift and maintain their shift throughout the snow season." Clearing operations normally begin when there is at least one inch of accumulation. Housing snow removal begins at three inches of snow. "Whether it's clearing the flight line or the main and side streets, our heavy repair shop gets the job done," said Sterling.